Edinburgh ink in Penn for back three

EDINBURGH have answered questions over their lack of back-three depth after the loss of Chris Paterson, Simon Webster and Jim Thompson by revealing the signing of Worcester youngster Mike Penn on a one-year deal.

The 22-year-old, who has represented England at under-18 level and is not Scottish-qualified, can play full-back and wing and is a product of the Warriors’ academy. He moves north on the recommendation of Edinburgh defence coach Billy McGinty, who spent six years at Sixways. He joins full-backs Greig Tonks and Tom Brown, and wingers Lee Jones and Tim Visser, alongside youngsters Sep Visser, Dougie Fife and Jamie Farndale in a young back three camp.

Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley said: “Mike is an ambitious young man and arrives knowing that he has to work hard and have a big year to secure a longer term. That kind of pressure can bring the best out of players.”

Penn, who has signed a one-year deal, started out with Starbridge rugby club and joined the Worcester academy at 16 before earning selection for England U18 and enjoying a loan spell at Birmingham and Solihull. He returned to the Warriors A side and made four appearances for the senior squad before a second championship loan spell at Nottingham.

Having visited Murrayfield last month for a fitness test, the 5ft 9in, 13st flyer said: “My first thoughts were around the training facilities and the quality of the coaching staff, particularly their ambition to take the club forward. Edinburgh have been one of Europe’s top sides this season so I’m really looking forward to getting in there. I like to play the ball and avoid contact using my pace. I can’t wait to show it on the big pitch at Murrayfield.”